Sept. 16: Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South

September 16 is the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for the South. This Day recognises the important role that science and technology play in creating fairer, safer and more inclusive societies in southern countries. It also echoes the ambition of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of peace and resilience. 

AI beyond borders: resilience where it’s needed most 

Countries in the Global South are among the most exposed to natural disasters, conflicts, and instability. These nations consistently suffer more from extreme climate events - floods, droughts, storms - and their human, economic, and social impacts. For example, least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing states (SIDS), and landlocked developing countries face disaster‐mortality rates more than twice the global average. LDCs alone account for 26% of global disaster deaths despite representing just 12% of the population. Yet, these countries often lack the resources—early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, financial, and institutional capacity—to prevent or respond effectively. 

It’s in recognition of such deep and systemic fragility that the UN established the Sustainable Development Goals, embedding targets that specifically aim to reduce vulnerability, build resilience, and protect people in the most risk‐exposed regions.  

AI should not be the privilege of just a few countries. Across Africa, the Arab States, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean, various initiatives demonstrate how regional cooperation, working alongside local academic and technology partners and engaging community-based working groups, can drive bold transformations and deliver real, positive impact for populations. 

AI for every country, every community, every challenge 

At Intersec, our mission is deeply ingrained in our DNA. We believe that the use of metadata and AI enables public authorities to make better, more informed decisions, thereby strengthening resilience and protecting people. In line with the SDGs, we continuously develop and enhance our public safety and security solutions: 

• SDG 9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure): By modernizing national infrastructures with AI-powered risk detection and emergency communication, we reinforce their capacity to withstand crises. 
• SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities): Our early warning and alerting solutions ensure that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, receives life-saving information in times of crisis. 
• SDG 13 (Climate action): As floods, wildfires, and extreme weather events increase, our tools help anticipate risks and give communities the time they need to act. 
• SDG 16 (Peace, justice, and strong institutions): By supporting civil protection and homeland security within clear legal oversight, we strengthen trust in institutions and reinforce public safety. 

Intersec.AI: Powerful and Responsible AI for All 

Trained on massive volumes of metadata and enriched by advanced AI models, Intersec․AI transforms complexity into clarity. It empowers decision-makers to: 

• Detect hidden signals of threats in real time 
• Anticipate risks before they escalate 
• Disseminate clear, accessible alerts to every citizen, across multiple channels 
• Support emergency responders under pressure, when every second counts 

As a European company, we develop our technologies independently, grounded in values of neutrality, accountability, and trust. In a world of growing digital skepticism, Intersec․AI offers a responsible alternative to the South: AI that serves people, not the other way around.